Once Upon a Time in China
“Never was a Hero needed more...”
In late 19th-century Canton, legendary hero Wong Fei-Hung battles foreign forces' (English, French and American) plundering of China. When Aunt Yee returns from America totally westernised, Wong assumes the role of protector. This proves difficult when his martial arts school and local militia become involved in fierce battles with foreign and local governments. As violence escalates, even Aunt Yee has to question her new western ideals, but is it possible to fight guns with Kung Fu?
Where to watch Once Upon a Time in China in United States
Can I watch Once Upon a Time in China in United States? Yes — you can stream Once Upon a Time in China in United States on HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, and Criterion Channel, or rent and buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
HBO Max Amazon Channel
YouTube TV
Criterion Channel
HBO Max
Shout! Factory TV
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeClick a service to open Once Upon a Time in China there. Availability last verified on July 31, 2026.
Where is Once Upon a Time in China streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion Channel, HBO Max | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| United Kingdom | Amazon Prime Video, Sky Go, Now TV Cinema, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Amazon Video |
| Canada | Criterion Channel | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
| Germany | — | Amazon Video |
| France | — | Apple TV Store, Canal VOD, Amazon Video |
| Japan | Amazon Prime Video, U-NEXT, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Amazon Video |
| South Korea | wavve, Watcha, TVING | wavve |
About Once Upon a Time in China
Once Upon a Time in China is a 1991 cn-language action and drama film directed by Tsui Hark. The cast is led by Jet Li, Yuen Biao, Jacky Cheung Hok-Yau. It has a runtime of 2h 14m. Viewers rate it 7.1/10 across 500 ratings. In United States, it is currently streaming on HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion Channel.
Once Upon a Time in China was produced by Paragon Films and Orange Sky Golden Harvest and made in Hong Kong. It was released on August 15, 1991, and carries a R certification. At the box office it grossed around $4 million worldwide.
- Director
- Tsui Hark
- Writers
- Elsa Tang Bik-Yin, Edward Leung Yiu-Ming, Tsui Hark
- Release date
- August 15, 1991
- Original language
- cn
- Age rating
- R
- Status
- Released
- Country
- Hong Kong
- Box office
- $4 million
- Production
- Paragon Films, Orange Sky Golden Harvest
Once Upon a Time in China cast & crew
Once Upon a Time in China was directed by Tsui Hark and written by Elsa Tang Bik-Yin, Edward Leung Yiu-Ming, and Tsui Hark.
The cast features Jet Li as Wong Fei Hung, Yuen Biao as Leung Foon, Jacky Cheung Hok-Yau as Buck Teeth So, Rosamund Kwan Chi-Lam as 13th Aunt, Kent Cheng Jak-Si as Porky Wing, and Yuen Gam-Fai as Ling Wan Kai.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Romeo Díaz, cinematography is by Arthur Wong Ngok-Tai, and it was produced by Tsui Hark and Raymond Chow.
Is Once Upon a Time in China worth watching?
Once Upon a Time in China holds an audience score of 7.1/10 from 491 ratings, marking it as well-reviewed action films.
At 2h 14m, it's a standard feature-length watch.
If you enjoy action and drama, Once Upon a Time in China is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Once Upon a Time in China
In United States, you can stream Once Upon a Time in China on HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion Channel, HBO Max, and Shout! Factory TV, or rent and buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Click any service above to open it directly.
Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.
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Cast of Once Upon a Time in China
Jet Li
Wong Fei Hung
Yuen Biao
Leung Foon
Jacky Cheung Hok-Yau
Buck Teeth So
Rosamund Kwan Chi-Lam
13th Aunt
Kent Cheng Jak-Si
Porky Wing
Yuen Gam-Fai
Ling Wan Kai
Yen Shi-Kwan
Iron Robe Yim Chun Tung
Lau Shun
Naval Commander Lau
Wu Ma
Grand Uncle Chueng
Yau Gin-Gwok
Shaho Gang Leader
Yuen Cheung-Yan
Yim's Opponent
Karel Wong Chi-Yeung
Governor
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Once Upon a Time in China — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Once Upon a Time in China in United States?
Once Upon a Time in China is streaming on HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, Criterion Channel, HBO Max in United States.
▸Is Once Upon a Time in China on HBO Max Amazon Channel?
Yes — Once Upon a Time in China is currently available on HBO Max Amazon Channel in United States.
▸What language is Once Upon a Time in China in?
Once Upon a Time in China is originally in cn, with audio tracks including Cantonese, English, French. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Once Upon a Time in China?
Once Upon a Time in China runs 2 hours 14 minutes (134 minutes).
▸What is Once Upon a Time in China rated?
Once Upon a Time in China is rated R. It holds a 7.1/10 audience score from 491 ratings.
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